Midsomer Murders Where Is It Filmed

Ever found yourself binge-watching Midsomer Murders, wondering where those charming English villages and quaint cottages are hiding? You're not alone! This cozy mystery series has been keeping us on the edge of our seats since 1997, and it's high time we spilled the beans on its filming locations. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's take a leisurely stroll through the real-life Midsomer.

Welcome to Midsomer... County, that is!

Before we dive in, let's clear one thing up. No, there isn't a real Midsomer County. The show's creators took inspiration from various counties in England, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. But don't worry, we'll reveal the specific locations that brought these fictional villages to life.

Bampton: The Heart of Midsomer

Bampton, a picturesque village in Oxfordshire, serves as the main filming location for Midsomer Murders. You might recognize it as Causton, the series' fictional county town. The village's stunning architecture and narrow streets have provided the perfect backdrop for countless murder mysteries. Fun fact: Bampton's parish church, St Mary the Virgin, has appeared in numerous episodes, often doubling as the town's church or even a cathedral!

But Bampton isn't just a pretty face. It's also home to the fictional police station, where our beloved detectives, Tom Barnaby and John Barnaby, have solved countless crimes. The real-life Bampton Community Archive is transformed into the Causton & Midsomer Constabulary headquarters, complete with a blue police box out front.

Tackling the Dales

When the series needs a change of scenery, it often heads to the rolling hills and picturesque dales of the Chilterns. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddles the borders of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, providing a stunning backdrop for the show's more rural locations.

Take, for example, the charming village of Turville, which stands in for several Midsomer locations. You might recognize it as Badger's Drift, the fictional home of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby. The village's thatched cottages and winding lanes have made it a popular filming location for other shows, too, like Downton Abbey and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Midsomer Murders at Stanlake Park – Stanlake Park Wine Estate

Bucklebury: The Village with a Secret

In the episode "Death in the Slow Lane," the village of Bucklebury in Berkshire takes center stage. This picturesque village is transformed into the fictional Midsomer village of Lower Barton, where a series of mysterious deaths occur during a vintage car rally.

But Bucklebury isn't just a pretty face – it's also home to a fascinating secret. The village is the birthplace of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge! While she might not have been a part of the show's filming, it's still a fun fact to keep in mind as you explore the village's charming streets.

Visiting Midsomer: A Murderous Tour

If you're eager to explore the real-life locations of Midsomer Murders, you're in luck! Many of the show's filming locations are open to the public and make for a fantastic day out. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious characters – you never know when a murder mystery might unfold!

So, grab your deerstalker hat and magnifying glass, and get ready to embark on a murderous tour of Midsomer. Who knows? You might just solve a case or two along the way. Cheers, and happy sleuthing!